JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — The Jacksonville State University Gamecocks closed out their spring football practice schedule Saturday with a scrimmage that head coach Tommy Caudle described as "a good look at where we are," adding that the program had work to do before September but that he was "encouraged by the effort."

The offensive line, which Caudle identified as an area of focus during the spring, remains what he called "a work in progress." He said this with the measured gravity of a man who has said it before and expects to say it again.

No starting quarterback has been named. Caudle said the competition between the two candidates — neither of whom he identified by name — was "healthy" and that a decision would be made "when the time is right." He did not specify when the time would be right.

The defense, Caudle said, had shown improvement. He was asked to be more specific. "Just improvement across the board," he said.

Derrick Hall, a redshirt sophomore linebacker from Anniston who did not play last season due to what the program described as "an undisclosed injury," participated in all fifteen spring practices. Caudle called his spring "significant." Hall declined an interview request but waved at this reporter from across the practice facility.

The Gamecocks open the 2026 season September 5th. Caudle said the team was preparing accordingly. He did not elaborate on what that preparation involved, but described the general mood in the program as "good."

Season tickets remain available.